Blossom goes to PetsMart

Last night I made a major shopping run to PetsMart and took Miss Blossom along.  She won the lottery and got to go because she needed a new collar.  After her last bath I had discovered that one of the plastic rings that control the size had broken.  So she got to go shopping!  Little Diva! There was a lot of crying and howling by her three little playmates that didn't get to go, too.

She rode in the cart like she always does.  She is just more secure in the cart for some reason.  I was really proud of her because she didn't bark like crazy like she usually does.  There were a few yaps when we went in the store and then twice while we shopped she let out what I thought was just a yap of joy!  She let everyone pet her (they all told her she was so beautiful!) and made many new friends.  I thought it interesting that everyone asked how old she is and then they were amazed that she is full grown!

This is what a pile o'pookies looks like.  Aren't they cute...well, yes.  But look at the wall above them.  The beautiful wall and woodwork that I spent so much time painting several years ago.  That is what these little darlings do while I'm at work, scratch the sheetrock and gnaw on the woodwork. 

Local "B" Match

Bentley competed in a local "B" match today.  It is a show that isn't a show, so to speak.  A little more than a match but not a full show.  He was the only dachshund of any kind so obviously he came home with ribbons and a small pewter cup.  He went in for best of group against a basset hound and got second.  I think the judge was prejudice or something, how could he give this good looking dog a second place?

Any way, it was good experience for both of us.  I'm still not pleased with how he's doing, but in all honesty I haven't worked with him like I really should.  And he needs to be socialized a little more as he is very leary of people.  There is a show in Austin next month so we need to get busy. 

He was a little reluctant with this picture, I just noticed that his head looks huge but that is just because I was super close to him with the camera!

Bentley & Baylee vs. Shadow

Cat chasing is pretty common in this household.  But this morning it got totally out of control.  I'm not sure what prompted this but it was an all out attack.  Basically, Baylee was trying to finish off Shadow.  Bentley was an accomplice to the crime but Baylee had Shadow down and her mouth was fastened around Shadow's neck.  As I've said so often, it is the shy, quiet one that you have to watch!  No matter what I did I couldn't get them to back off and leave poor Shadow alone. 

The fight started under the bed and then went to the far corner of the breakfast room.  That was the point where Baylee had her mouth on Shadow's neck and I knew it was serious.  So I swatted Baylee (dumb, I know) and got enough distraction time that she let go.  Shadow ran back to the bedroom and under the bed (dumb cat, jump up and escape).  So Bentley and Baylee gave chase and the fight continued.  I managed to grab Bentley's hind leg and pull him out from under the bed and throw him in the bathroom.  Then I took a yard stick to get Baylee out from under the bed and grab her.  They both went outside for a while, but as soon as I opened the door they were back under the bed where Shadow was hiding.  So I got the yardstick again, and this time they got a swat with it as they ran by me.  I left them in the kitchen while I went to the grocery store and when I got home and let them out....they ran right back to attack Shadow.  So once again the yardstick was put into play.

Finally, I got Shadow out from under the bed and checked her over.  Her neck and head had obviously been soaked with dog slobber as it was sticky.  But she had no puncture wounds that I could feel.  I gave her a good rub and put her on top of the bed.  A little while later I noticed Baylee's under ear as shown above.  Shadow, even with only back claws and teeth, had put up a good fight.  The picture doesn't really show the damage but there are several puncture wounds and a long, bloody scratch down the ear.  Baylee's ear is a mess.  So now all the dogs are taking turns cleaning it for her.  No sympathy from me, but I now know that it isn't just friendly cat chasing that is going on and the situation has to be human controlled!

Tired to the bone

I have four little doggies that have passed out in various spaces.  We were finally able to go walking tonight.  I was so tired and have so much homework, but I decided that I had to force myself to harness them up and go.  Once we were out the door I was so glad we went.  I don't know when was the last time we could go walking, the heat has been too much.  The dogs and their human needed to walk but it just couldn't be done.  

When we started out they wanted to rodeo a little bit, but the routine quickly came back.  Usually Sawyer leads the pack but tonight it was little Blossom (and she was the first to lay down and go to sleep!).  I took them at a fairly slow pace, and they still wanted to stop frequently.  We'll have to work back up to speed, but that's ok. 

When we got home I fed them outside (fed myself out there, too) and they chowed down.  Bowls were almost empty, for once.  They have gotten where they just nibble around but the walk must have revved up their appetites.  Uh oh, the boys just woke up and they are playing a little.  That's ok, I'm glad we all got some exercise and fresh air.

Doggie Fun

This is what doggies do for fun when Mama is gone!  The paper is what is left of the instruction manual for my food processor.  What I can't figure out is how it got off the counter and into the dogs' area in the kitchen. And then how it got into the living room.  Bentley and Blossom had escaped from the kitchen, so did they go over the gate with the book in their mouth?  Or did they go under the gate?  This was NOT what I wanted to come home to after school tonight!